On October 31, 2006, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Nanning with Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on the sidelines of the China-ASEAN Commemorative Summit marking the 15th anniversary of the establishment of Dialogue Relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both sides exchanged views on bilateral ties.

Wen said since China and Brunei established diplomatic ties 15 years ago, bilateral relations had progressed smoothly and bilateral cooperation in various fields had expanded continuously. He hoped that the two sides could grasp the current opportunities to enhance exchanges of high-level visits, expand investment, trade and economic cooperation, and facilitate cultural and educational exchanges. China attaches importance to the cooperation with Brunei on agriculture, science and technology and is ready to offer assistance to Brunei in technology, human resources and other areas, Wen said.

China has always adhered to the policy of "shelving disputes and seeking joint exploitation," which conforms to the current situations and long-term interests of both countries, Wen stressed. China and Brunei should make joint efforts to work out an effective way to exploit the South China Sea together, the Chinese Premier said. Bolkiah agreed with Wen, saying Brunei hoped to keep high-level contact with China and strengthen economic, trade and agricultural cooperation with China so as to push for bilateral ties. He welcomed more investments from China and said that Brunei is willing to keep in contact with China on the joint exploitation in the South China Sea.